Tragic Pinellas County Accident Kills Local Woman

Posted on Jan 26, 2012

On January 11, 2012, Helen Sauerbier, of Pinellas Park, Florida, was killed in a fatal two car accident. Ms. Sauerbier was 84-years-old at the time of this Pinellas County crash. The collision occurred at the intersection of Gandy Boulevard and 35th Street.
Pinellas Park police conducted a preliminary investigation into the crash. Ms. Sauerbier was operating a 1996 Lincoln Towncar when she died. The other driver involved in the collision was William McClendon, 44, a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida. Mr. McClendon was driving a 2007 Nissan Murano when he struck Ms. Sauerbier’s Lincoln Towncar.
At the time of the crash, Ms. Sauerbier was travelling westbound on Gandy Boulevard. She attempted to make a left-hand turn onto 35th Street and was struck by Mr. McClendon, who was travelling eastbound at the same time. Ms. Sauerbier incurred fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Investigators report that Mr. McClendon was driving with a suspended license when he was involved in the collision with Ms. Sauerbier. It is also suspected that Mr. McClendon may have been driving under the influence of alcohol. Charges against him are now pending.
Pinellas Park police utilize their own department Facebook page. They used the website to post about the accident at approximately 8 p.m. on the night of the crash. The message stated that officers had responded to ten car crashes between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on that day. Ms. Sauerbier’s family was also notified of her passing.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Ms. Sauerbier.